John Wayne & James Arness! RED RIVER! My mentor James Arness, told by Bruce Boxleitner! AWOW!

Who can fill John Wayne's boots? That was a question posed by the networks when they were searching for an actor to play the part of "Dunson" in a TV remake of RED RIVER. It was a role made famous by Wayne. It turns out that, while no one really could replace Duke, James Arness, the man who would become "Matt Dillon," stepped up when duty called. Young unknown actor Bruce Boxleitner got his big break co-starring with James Arness in the classic miniseries "The Macahans," in 1976. That tale of pioneers heading west became the TV series "How the West Was Won." Boxleitner had already appeared on GUNSMOKE and, following the end of HTWWW, would join Arness for two more westerns, the remake of RED RIVER (1988) and Arness' final appearance as Marshal Dillon and his last film, GUNSMOKE: ONE MAN'S JUSTICE in 1994. Boxleitner learned a lot about Arness and his beginnings as a surfer, bit player, movie monster, and personal contract player for John Wayne and Batjac Productions. Arness was mentored by Wayne and Box was mentored by Arness. What did Boxleitner learn from the 6' 7" actor? It turns out, quite a bit, which he shared with Rob Word in a special interview done October 2021 in the Chamber of Commerce building in Lone Pine, CA, during the Lone Pine Film Festival.

[@elizabethmccown5355]

As I am watching this interview I am also watching Red River on INSP. I am a big fan of Bruce Boxlitner . I live in Bishop and a few years ago I saw him in the Lone Pine Film Festival parade as the grand Marshall

[@EldenSmith]

The first time I can remember watching Bruce was on the movie the Gambler. I've liked watching him ever since. 👍

[@verawyatt3595]

I really enjoyed this AWOW. Ms Kitty and the Doc?...who knew...lol. Thank you for taking the time to interview all these great guests. I always enjoyed watching the shows/movies with Bruce Boxleitner. Hopefully, he will come back to AWOW and tell us some more stories. Thank you Mr. Word

[@devilsden2283]

Excellent interview with "big Bruce"...such a fine actor and gentleman, IMHO, so very under rated...especially enjoyed his stoic portrayal of James Longstreet in film "God's and Generals"....loved the wonderful memories of the great actor & WWII hero Jim Arness, such respectful reverence... thank you Rob for all you do...and many blessings!

[@rosezingleman5007]

Just saw that a couple weeks ago. Yes, when I saw it was Bruce Boxleitner I cheered. Great actor (and so handsome).

[@devilsden2283]

@@rosezingleman5007 when I had seen BB cast as Longstreet at first I didn't recognize him due to the big beard and his voice seemingly deeper..through the years I always thought, "man, he would've made a better Longstreet in the 1st installment of the trilogy, the film, "Gettysburg "where Tom Berenger played Longstreet...Tom was good, just a little wooden at times....

[@drjcwardjr]

Watched “The Thing” at the local theater whenI was 7 in the early 60’s…big impact, a film I never forgot!

[@doveofgrace]

Great video and awesome interview. I really miss Jim Arness. He was definitely one of my favorite actors. I still watch Gunsmoke quite often.

[@sandythomas7587]

Thank you for all the great interviews you have a special talent that relax your guess which produces excellent viewing. I thank you for bringing back so many memories of my childhood in the fiftieth all we had were the westerns (especially Gunsmoke that was father/daughter time)

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow, Sandy, thank you! We are FINALLY getting back to the Autry Museum to tape new interviews with an appreciative audience this May 17, 2022. So, there will be more to come. Yee ha!

[@tomsmith5216]

I was 5 or 6 when The Thing from another Planet was released. Scared the bejeebus out of me, and I hid under the covers that night hoping that "intellectual carrot" wouldn't find me! 🤣

[@ryancarroll3961]

Bruce is one of those transition actors that got to work with so many great stars of the beginning of movie stardom. He was obviously very receptive to his mentors and learned so much that thanks to Rob Word we get to hear how it all went down Lone pine is definitely on my places to visit with all its history Thanks so much

[@ginnywalker184]

Thank you for sharing this awesome interview. I felt the chemistry between Bruce Boxleitner and James Arness was so real when they did the series "How the West Was Won" and it was a "must see" for me every single week. I've always loved westerns and I loved them even more after watching this series. The story was good and the actors were excellent in their character roles. This series is still one of my favorites. I love listening to the memories the actors share with us about the iconic actors they worked with. Thanks again for sharing this great interview.

[@gregdavis19]

Fantastic interview, Rob! I’ve always enjoyed listening to Bruce talk.

[@AliceTolson]

I loved that movie..thought it was good. ❤

[@joeburns4294]

Almost forgot the one they did (Wayne & Arness) with Lana Turner where Wayne was captain of a German frieghtet during the war. The Sea Chase

[@leospring6264]

Great interview as always Rob. Bruce talks about sleeping in the back of a truck with everyone to stay warm and just get a little shut eye. I wonder how many of todays big name actors would do that? You get a real sense of what it was like on the set from these great stories. Bruce is a great and so are you Rob! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@wesmcgee1648]

I think other than Duke, I miss Arness more than any other actor who has passed on. Wait, Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake? What?!!!!!!

[@sandythomas7587]

LOL I love Bruce and ❤ Arness since 1955. I saw this last week and today and had to go back make sure he said Amanda and Stone.

[@jowalnut8822]

Another great sharing with big bruce as you said. Thanks for all these hours of adventures with him from a western hero, big game hunter, a spymaster and a sci fi captain.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jo. Thanks.

[@stephenannese8228]

Loved the interview, Rob....Bruce just seems to be such an awesome guy during interviews and on talk-shows,...love hearing about all those behind the scene's exploits too..!

[@thomasallen3818]

Another great interview, thanks for keeping the Westerns alive! Boxleitner is a joy to listen to as are you.

[@marshaldillon4387]

Great interview. Bruce Boxlightner is one of my favorite actors.

[@LowPlainsDrifter60]

Mesmerising interview & Bruce really rocks that Montana crease. 🤠👍

[@donnastedham9822]

Great interview with Bruce Boxleitner. He's always been a favorite. Thanks.

[@sammychicken3457]

Lone Pine. A location that has given so much to so many viewers over the decades. If I ever travel to the U.S.A., Lone Pine is one of my first stop overs. Incredible scenery. I've got to wonder how all the movies made in the Lone Pine area, didn't clash with each other at the same time, as so, so many movies are made there. What a great & enjoyable interview. I love & appreciate the behind the scenes, learning about the history, filmmaking processes, & all those who worked so hard for us to still enjoy their legacy"s. And for that, I thank them all. I also must thank you too Rob, for yourtireless efforts in creating these wonderful interviews & bringing Westerns into our home here in Australia. I've not long finished watching, " Texas Cyclone", starting, Tim McCoy & a very young John Wayne. I wonder if the slight lean John Wayne had in these early westerns was to allow for example, Tim McCoy to be seen as being not that much shorter than John Wayne so the dialogue by the actors could easily be interpreted by the viewer. Or perhaps it was easier for the cameraman to get both actors in the frame of them both tight, so for example, if one actor was too far to the left to corner of the frame, whilst the other actor was to the lower right hand corner. Apologies Rob for my baffling. Kind regards from Adelaide, South Australia.

[@kathykit7629]

I love Bruce, and have always enjoyed his work. Great memories of Jim Arness. As kids we always watched The Thing, and Them. There is a scene in Them, when Jim’s gun jams. The giant ants are coming after him, and Jim screams and takes off. OMG, Matt Dillion screaming! Still get a kick out of watching those movies to this day.

[@timothyplonk6881]

Great to see my favorite actor discussed here 👍

[@zayacz123]

Thank you, Bruce!

[@waynewilson2365]

I finally found the time to watch this great interview. Another home run. Keep them coming!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Wayne

[@hackbritton3233]

Thank you guys.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Our pleasure!

[@jimmiehahn4560]

So obvious the respect and affection that Bruce had for Jim! As always thank you for bringing these special moments to us. You do this so well!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jim. Thanks.

[@lindacarter9861]

Rob thank you for the great interview with Bruce Boxleitner. I have been a big fan of Bruce and James Arness for a long time. I still watch Gunsmoke every day!

[@AWordonWesterns]

I'm watching every day, too, Linda. The episodes really hold up well in so many areas.

[@seattlejudy5977]

Always Enjoy your videos…. You ask all the questions I would…Down to earth folks…So when I watch these gems….I know a little bit more….Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow, thank you, Judy.

[@JeffElkins]

Superb interview! Thanks so much Rob!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jeff.

[@mattdaugherty7865]

Another great episode Rob! Thank you so much for putting these together!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Matt.

[@joansmith1195]

Thank you for the wonderful interview with Bruce. It made me feel nostalgic when you both were discussing his t.v. career, especially his friendship with James Arness. "How the West Was Won" is my favorite TV series. INSP showed it last year.

[@philipnordin1661]

Thank you Rob, loved the story’s and the scoop of Doc and Miss Kitty…

[@AWordonWesterns]

It was a real, not reel, affair.

[@zayacz123]

I watch Gunsmoke a lot! I love it!

[@marshasullivan4074]

How lovely to hear these stories, thoroughly enjoyed the reminiscing. Only complaint it was over before I was ready !!!! Thank you !

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@billjenkins687]

The lookie loos outside peeking in have no idea how dumb they look. Great work, Mr. Word.

[@AWordonWesterns]

They were watching the interviews live on a TV monitor that was placed on the sidewalk.

[@barbarachatman496]

I enjoyed watching this. It was very interesting. Thank you Mr. Word for sharing....

[@BuckJones1909]

Great interview once again! I’m going to find this version of Red River and watch it! Thank you Rob for a break from the events of the day!

[@AWordonWesterns]

You bet, Don. Thank youl.

[@lomonacorosa458]

@@AWordonWesterns bellissimo Burce ❤️

[@waynegilchrist1596]

Rob it's always a pleasure when you have Bruce on your videos. He's a great story teller and he's lived it, being an A-list star himself. I would have loved to have been on the site during the off camera moments with him and James Arness and so many more of the cast of "Red River." I hadn't really thought about how big Bruce is because anyone upside James Arness looks a little bit smaller, but I started looking at you up beside Bruce and I think he has an inch or two on you. Thanks again for sharing and have a great day Rob Word.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Bruce is 6'2", Wayne, so, yes he does!

[@wiseguymaybe]

I remember that when big tall Chuck Connors starred on Gunsmoke as a trouble making boxer that Matt had to cut him down to size, they had to give Chuck lifts to match James Arnesse's size and Chuck was 6'5. So glad to hear Babalon 5 is making a come back, I like westerns, don't get me wrong but Sci Fi is my favorite genre and I really got into Babalon 5 in the early 90's. I hate to say this, I was so use to Michael O'Hare as Commander Sinclair, I didn't like Bruce's Commander John Sheridan at first, however as Bruce lost his nervous smile the first season, and in all fairness he was nervous taking over a role from a familiar character and that's not easy, he was great in the role as the Commander of Babalon 5. I loved the character of John Sheridan at the end of the series One question I have is Bruce reprising his role as John Sheridan as they hinted that his character died at the end. Yet with Sci Fi anything is possible. They could easily bring his character back through time warps or regeneration process, like in Doctor Who. In any case I don't see Bill Mumy reprising his role as Lennier as he would not go through that make up process again. He did not like doing the show because of having to endure that 3 hour make up. Tha[s sad for me Lennier was one of my favorite characters, Bill is such a good actor. A little fun fact. Dennis Weaver actully lived an hour a way from my home town of Montrose Colorado in the late 70's and early 80's, in a home he built out of tin cans, he was into conserving energy. I guess you could call him a naturalist. By the way, thank you, thank you so much for this interview. I really enjoyed this.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Box won't be playing Sheridan in the reboot. He's not sure what role they have in mind for him.

[@arlineabdalian8974]

Thanks, Rob, for another interesting interview. I agree with Bruce. Remakes are always difficult to script, act and direct, unless you do an exact frame-by-frame duplication, as in the Psycho remake, and even then there are the inevitable difficulties, comparisons, detractions, etc. Bruce is a very fine, competent actor. I have enjoyed watching him in Westerns, and I hope to see more of his work going forward. Your interviews with him and others are very revealing regarding the history of both the industry and the genre. I greatly appreciate your efforts. And see you next Friday for another fascinating Western film!

[@tiberiustavares2734]

Great program, thsnk you!

[@williambilyeu9801]

Been a fan of Bruce Bocleitner for a long time. I mostly remember him from the Gambler. Movies and "Scarecrow and Mrs. King." You should do an interview about the Gambler movies, especially the one guest starring all the TV western heroes. I loved that one. I have seen both versions of "Red River" and while I don't think that James Arness was as good as John Wayne, I thought that Bruce Boxleitner and Gregory Harris were better than Montgomery Cliff and John Ireland. Also, "The Thing (from Another Planet)" and "Them" are two of my favorite sci fi/horror films. I have them on DVD as well as "Hondo." Another great interview, Rob!

[@OldBiker54]

WOW,, Always great videos thanks

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you like them!

[@derekmurray1462]

I’m just after remembering the first time I saw him on TV , it was called “bring him back alive” my mam and me watched it together on Saturday evenings in the early 80s , we loved that show.

[@AWordonWesterns]

That was a fun show, Derek.

[@sandrasanders706]

This was a great interview!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, sandra

[@desertfox3860]

Great interview, thanks for sharing!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it. You're as Foxy as ever!

[@waynevia6976]

Another great episode.

[@garymckee448]

Now I can see why Bruce does the Sci Fi route it's in a controlled environment and you can't blame him for that. Thanks Rob.

[@derekmurray1462]

He’s got a good gravely voice for westerns Bruce, good interview

[@AWordonWesterns]

He does have a fantastic voice! Thanks, Derek.

[@jimross7648]

A superb interview. Bruce Boxleitner is a very likeable guest and I have always enjoyed your interviews. You and Bruce have an off screen relationship that bleeds into the on screen interviews and makes watching them a treat. You two have a conversation that covers a wide variety films and genres. I thought it was funny when Bruce said who had a career longevity like John Wayne, and my thought immediately went well James Arness for one, and Bruce Boxleitner for another. His own career in film and TV, in everything, from Westerns, Sci-fi, dramas, to Hallmark productions are a testament to his talent and versatility as a performer.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jim

[@OdeeOz]

*Rob, for me to say this is **_yet another Great Episode,_** Would just be adding Extra Icing on these cakes of history you serve us all. The Cherry/Strawberry part is Thanks, and keep them coming. Your energy, is infectious.* 💯x👍😉 *I well remember, the episode where Chester got his limp, from a shotgun blast to the legs.*

[@devilsden2283]

Blessings brother.....👍💥🇺🇲💥

[@tomsmith5216]

Mr. Word is a hero to all of us who love and cherish western movies and the people who made them!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, guys.

[@OdeeOz]

@@AWordonWesterns Sir, those applause, accolades and more are well earned by yourself. Like the Duke, and more ... I consider you one of our National Treasures, to be looked up to. Not with envy, but as a Role Model of how we should live our lives for others.

[@AliceTolson]

Thx for showing this interview..have never seen this. ❤

[@frankwalker5040]

What a wonderful interview. Bruce actually sounds a bit like John Wayne.

[@AWordonWesterns]

He sure does.

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

I personally think James Arness played Matt Dillon very well and as the series progressed he owned the role of Dillion.

[@chuckcollins]

If the reboot of "Babylon 5" doesn't pan out, there's always hope for a "Scarecrow & Mrs. King" reunion movie!

[@crystalroe6944]

I’m ready for that one too

[@DEEBARNES-xb7jy]

Followed up watching you and Bruce B. at Lone Pine talking about James Arness and his early sci-fi work.."The Thing", I'd forgotten that was him!! You & Bruce seem to be friends and the stories are so smooth and highlights flow. I have always been a big fan of Bruce in many genres and liked him in Babylon5, very easy on the eyes and good actor. That last show of James almost brought tears.. Thanks for your wealth of knowledge and photographic memory that these pieces were priceless. Phenomenal🎉 Lots of joy & honor to James. Hope that bomb cyclone didn't hit your area Rob. Sounded horrible. Take care & ck you on Sun.😊

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Dee. More "Fun Adventures with Bruce & Rob" coming up from our visit to the Hollywood Museum for the James Arness/Gunsmoke Auction. Guest star: Janet Arness!

[@thedoxinator3934]

🤠 Rob, great interview 👍

[@gerardjohnson2106]

Thanks for sharing. A great interview and Bruce's hat is the exact shape I've been looking for. Soft pinch & crease with slight forward slope and medium brim roll and drop. I'll have the kettle boiling tomorrow for my newest Resistol.

[@thomasparnell1025]

Thanks So Much For this interview Rob! Although James Arness Will always be My Favorite western star, I really enjoy watching Bruce Boxleitner in Anything he's in, Bruce is A Top Notch actor! He is Such a Good natured person, a relative of mine met him a few years back, & he said that Bruce was very nice to him & his wife, he didn't act like a movie star at all; To me, the One thing that helps me to have great respect for an actor, is how they treat the public, & Bruce has That reputation of being nice & cordial with his fans. Thanks Again Rob, You Always bring us The Best interviews Ever!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you for the very kind words, Thomas. I'm having lunch with Bruce tomorrow and I'll pass on you cordial comments to him.

[@thomasparnell1025]

@@AWordonWesterns Wow! Thanks Rob, much appreciated!

[@jerryknorr679]

Liked his side of the story thanks for sharing ROB

[@georgejetson3702]

Great conversation!

[@kaybutcher5719]

Really enjoyed this interview/discussion!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Kay

[@edithdavis2848]

Love Bruce. Always watched Babalon 5. Wish he would write more in the Sci-fi/western series, love those books, need more of them

[@johnvoorhees7881]

Great stuff 👏 👍

[@michaelmakes1225]

The talk of Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum...I thought of Brian Keith,a rugged actor who just didn't do enough Westerns to suit me..in 1988 he would have been an interesting choice for Red River...

[@J3335]

I loved Bruce as Capt John Sheridan in B5. It seems he has quite the memory and knowledge of film! Great to hear about the old cowboys who were slightly before my time. You can tell he took to heart what he learnt from Arness abt being the lead on a show; JMS always said he was a loyal, stand up guy on Babylon 5, loved sitting and chatting with the crew. (He also has an incredible voice... I might have slightly died when he said the word "rowdy"😂)

[@jameskorner6611]

Bruce is a class act.

[@AceMoonshot]

I cannot recall where I heard it but I believe it. You can tell any story with a western or scifi movie.

[@Labor_Jones]

Excellent! - m :)

[@jimd8008]

Thank you again

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you too!

[@unky-duky7033]

James Arness did have a limp...............He was wounded in WWII....................

[@OhShaw]

Wonderful interview, thank you! I wish you'd re-post the interview with Jack Elam talking about laughing it up with Arness on the set of HTWWW. ("How the West Was Won" Pt. 8 - James Arness & Jack Elam laugh it up!"). It was one of my favorites.

[@AWordonWesterns]

That was Al Fleming, Oh. Sadly Jack had already died when we began AWOW in 2013. He was always fun to be with and would have been a WONDERFUL guest!!

[@OhShaw]

@@AWordonWesterns Thank you! So it was Al who told the story about Jack & Jim doubling over with laughter trying to film the Indian attack? I shared it a while back but the video is gone. Is it posted under a different title, now? It was hilarious. And yes, Jack would have been a fabulous interview, he seemed like such a great guy.

[@AWordonWesterns]

@@OhShaw I've been taking down the short AWOW episodes from 6 - 8 years ago and going back into the dailies to reedit and make them all longer. When we started, we were advised to make the episodes only 3 to 4 minutes long. So, that interview with Al Fleming s now in the Part 2 of HOW THE WEST WAS WON. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYS0YpKnhsyUmMk. Enjoy and SHARE it with your friends. Thanks Oh Shaw.

[@OhShaw]

@@AWordonWesterns Ah, okay, I understand. Thank you, I appreciate the explanation - and the link to the re-edit. That's a great video you put together, I'll definitely be sharing it (and that story from Al Fleming still cracks me up).

[@richb313]

Thanks Rob always loved Bruce, Arness and Wayne it makes one wonder what would have happened if Wayne would have even been considered for ground breaking SciFi if his image had not prevented consideration.

[@johnnewcomb534]

Got to meet both of you in Fort Worth at the John Wayne experiance.really enjoyed .Rob McFarland publishing did the Randolph scott sons bio.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, John. That sure was a fantastic event. I'm looking forward to returning.

[@rogerashmore6720]

Great interview thank you!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevemccoy8138]

I grew up watching GUNSMOKE . I never knew miss kitty and Doc had a thing in real life .

[@GarryAReed]

Great interview ! I still remember the TV movie where Arness played this frontier character with “coal black hair”. What was that all about ? 👍👍👍👍

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ha! It's what they call a mistake, Gary. That was the first of 5 GUNSMOKE TV movies and they only did it that one time. Thankfully!

[@rickuyeda4818]

A friend of mine, Russell Wiggins, who was a former actor with Universal Studios, was eating lunch when a Fan approached and asked for an autograph. The Fan gushed about how much she loved him in "How the West was Won". Russ realized the Fan mistook him for Bruce Boxleitner so he signed "Bruce Boxleitner".

[@rayvoorhies7180]

I keep hoping Bruce will get a role in 1883. Maybe for a couple episodes? He'd be wonderful in another Western.

[@AWordonWesterns]

He hopes so, too!!

[@joeburns4294]

Love listening to Bruce’s storys. Your films always conjure up my own memories of these stars too. When I was a kid in the 50’s, a film that ran a lot on tv was one with Wayne & Arness. where they were both Feds with the House On Un American Commitee? Didn’t Arness ‘die’ in that one? Thanks for another great memory Rob

[@AWordonWesterns]

BIG JIM MCLAIN, Joe. I don’t recall if Jim makes it to the end in that film. I used a still from it during the interview. Thanks!

[@AliceTolson]

Bruce did a great imitation of John Wayne in one of his movies too..i think it was "Breakaway" ? Can't remember..but he sounded just like him..😊

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

Trivia I discovered about Red River. Chief Yowlachie(1891-1966) Born: August 15, 1891 in Yakima Indian Reservation, Washington, USA Died: March 7, 1966 in Los Angeles, California, USA (pneumonia) Birth Name: Daniel Simmons Chief Yowlachie was born in Kitsap County, Washington, and later lived with his family on the Yakima Indian Reservation. Although he was not enrolled in the Yakima Nation, his parents John W. Simmons and Lucy Riddle both had Puyallup heritage and owned allotted land on the Yakima reservation. Yowlatchie's real name was Daniel Simmons and he began his show-business career as--believe it or not--an opera singer and spent many years in that profession. In the 1920s he switched to films, and over the next 25 or so years played everything from rampaging Apache chiefs to comic-relief sidekicks. A large, round-faced man, his distinctive voice--a deep, resonant bass somewhat resembling Bluto's in the old "Popeye" cartoons--was instantly recognizable, and he had the distinction of not appearing to have aged much over his career, which is most likely attributable to the fact that he looked quite a bit younger than he actually was, so his "aging" wasn't all that noticeable. In addition to his "serious" roles, he had somewhat more light-hearted parts in several films, notably Red River (1948), where he traded quips with veteran scene-stealer Walter Brennan, and held his own quite well.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you very much for sharing this fascinating story, Kitz.

[@AliceTolson]

I loved Bruces part in Red River..thought it was a good movie..saw the first one as well. Both were very good.though. loved the cast performances..

[@hiramnoone]

My understanding is that Hawks started out with a plan for an ending for "Red River" closer to the one written by Borden Chase in his original story, in which Cherry Valance (John Ireland's character) shoots Wayne's Dunson, wounding him mortally in a gunfight, with his adopted son, Matt Garth (Clift) then returning his (Dunson's) body to his beloved Texas. Which was what the studio expected when the project was first pitched. Now Hawks in fairness had the reputation of,on occasion, not letting the truth interfere with a good story, claims he just couldn't bring himself to kill Wayne off, who, after all was the heart of the story already portrayed throughout the film as this all but invincible, bigger than life, force of nature like character. And that audiences would agree with him and not be able to accept Wayne's death at the end. Hawks later claiming he was influenced by his earlier picture the original "Scarface", where he killed off his lead actor Paul Muni. He said audiences didn't like it then, nor upon reflection did he. And so felt he'd made a mistake on that picture. One he decided he was, by gob, not gonna make again with Wayne on *this* one. With no mention of Ireland or Dru. However, by most accounts, Hawks, who had a special eye for ladies of a certain type (Dru fit that bill perfectly, as did other feminine proteges he put into his films), and did in fact (accounts tell us) have romantic designs on his hand picked leading lady. Dru. But so did John Ireland, whose original rather prominent role early in the film did in fact become much less so, abruptly in the latter half. Time which Ireland who was pretty busy anyway when the cameras were *not* rolling romancing Dru, was also purportedly filling in inside wunna the covered wagons with a then unknown extra named Shelly Winters. So, if Hawks were indeed miffed at his actors, both Dru and Ireland as alleged, and with Ireland's part seemingly severely cut from what the story seemed to suggest was intended for his character as evidence? Does it also seem unlikely that Hawks would award Ireland's gunman the distinction of killing off Wayne? Me myself, I think Hawks was right not to kill Wayne, and certainly as a kid and even now as an adult, I wouldn't want to see it. And doubt any audience then or now would either. Nor accepted *anyone* killing Wayne. Not in a fair fight. Not ever. It would take some sneaky back-shooting skunk like the hidden off camera sniper in "Sands of Iwo Jima", or a craven, inbred sociopathic murdering loonie toones played by Bruce Dern to be acceptable as Wayne's killer. And (In Red River) it was too late for such a radical change as that for Ireland's guy. Nor I think did he have Dern's acting chops to make it convincing anyway. So Hawks had no choice... just as he claimed. He *had* to let Wayne live.

[@djdiscoworm]

they are very special episodes

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you.

[@djdiscoworm]

@@AWordonWesterns are you in L.A. ?

[@AWordonWesterns]

@@djdiscoworm Hollywood. The land of dreams.

[@robertszvetics210]

Big Jim was good in the red river remake but no one could measure up to the DUKE Wayne should of won the ocsar for red river and sands of iwo jima and she wore a yellow ribbon and they give him nothing thats why the ocsars suck.

[@hiramnoone]

There's no controversy anymore about who directed The Thing, as all the actors in it have emphatically stated that Hawks directed every scene except one, according to lead actor Kenneth Toby. One of he and some of the other actors walking through a door. Toby also talked of Jim Arness whom he became friends with on that film, and after making it big on Gunsmoke getting him a part on the show when he knew Ken badly needed the money, and insisting on breaking early before Ken's scene was finished so that he'd be paid for another day's work.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for setting the record straight, Hiram.

[@hiramnoone]

@@AWordonWesterns Actually Tobey did. I just (coincidentally) happened to recently read Tom Weaver's interview with him where the actor claimed he'd been trying to set the record straight on that for years. Christian Nyby, Hawk's film cutter who later did a lot of directing in TV directed just that one scene which, according to Tobey was the worst in the picture. I see even IMDB still gives Nyby full credit as director with Hawks overseeing as producer.

[@OldBiker54]

Bruce sounds like Jim

[@michaelmakes1225]

First thing I noticed,too.

[@devilsden2283]

Yes, through the years his voice has gotten extremely deeper it seems....

[@LilHoss]

Question, if Gunsmoke was re-booted, what actor would be able to play that role today? Middle aged Matt Dillon. I think Tom Selleck could play an older Matt Dillon. I have a hard time with someone middle aged.

[@devilsden2283]

Jeff Bridges?

[@devilsden2283]

@The Scourge agreed!...and one of the most under rated actors today I believe would have to be Ben Foster...loved him in "H or H W"... 3:10 to Yuma remake as well as Hostiles....

[@AWordonWesterns]

Jim was 32 when GUNSMOKE began.

[@LilHoss]

Has to be a man of big stature.

[@lordquinn1605]

As a rule I don't like remakes but I love Babylon 5 so lets have more new stories.

[@supersami7748]

I have the complete box set of all 10 years of Bill Conrad’s radio Gunsmoke and it was absolutely insinuated that there were feelings between Kitty and Matt, much more so than the TV show. Question for anyone who might be able to verify this inquiry. When the remake of the Alamo was made I have read over the years they wanted James Arness to take the Davy Crockett part and he declined because of Wayne’s 1960 movie he directed and starred in as Crockett. So in the remake Arnie’s played Jim Bowie and Brian Keith played Crockett. Is this truth or fiction? Great interview!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Interesting question, Sami. Maybe someone can answer.

[@AH-yu2pi]

🤠

[@jeffdunn7474]

Did Bruce play in The Fall Guy?

[@AWordonWesterns]

No. Lee Majors was the star.

[@dukespike]

Any one ever count how many times Matt was shot in Gunsmoke?

[@AWordonWesterns]

Not me. How about how many people HE shot? Whew! Lots of viewing for some intrepid fan.

[@kellycoleman715]

Arness had to dye his blonde hair for decades.

[@williambilyeu9801]

Whenever anyone tells me that their pronouns are "they/them," I tell them that they don't look like giants ants.

[@Paladin1873]

Doc and Miss Kitty were doing it? Say it ain't so, Joe, say it ain't so.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ahhh, life's full of little surprises, Col.

[@marksheffer625]

Long live the duke